Now Commenting On:

Blackley, not Godfrey, to get start on Monday

Blackley, not Godfrey, to get start on Monday

By
/
|

OAKLAND -- A's manager Bob Melvin gave positive reports all week on the health of Graham Godfrey after the right-hander was bothered by soreness in his right middle finger in his start on Tuesday, indicating that Godfrey would likely make his next scheduled start on Monday.

But when Godfrey appeared in relief in Oakland's 9-2 loss to New York on Saturday, it was evident that wouldn't be the case. Melvin announced after the game that left-hander Travis Blackley would instead get the nod on Monday at Minnesota.

Melvin said the decision was based partly on Godfrey's struggles and partly on Blackley's success with Oakland. Godfrey has a 6.43 ERA in five appearances this season and was roughed up by the Yankees for three runs (two earned) on five hits on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Blackley has been spotless since being claimed off waivers from San Francisco on May 15, allowing no earned runs in his three appearances. He was particularly solid in relief of Godfrey on Tuesday, throwing 3 2/3 innings -- the most for an A's reliever in a game this season -- and allowing no earned runs while impressing Melvin with his ability to throw four quality pitches.

Blackley has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen for San Francisco and Oakland this season but was groomed as a starter in the Minor Leagues. He made three starts for Fresno, the Giants' Triple-A affiliate, in April, allowing one earned run over 19 1/3 innings.

"I don't really mind what I do, I'm just thankful I have a job up here at the moment," Blackley said. "I'm doing everything I can to try and establish myself and help the team, obviously, to win games, because we need some wins right now. However I can help out -- if it ends up that I stick in that [starting] role, then hopefully I run with it and do awesome."